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Columbus Bilingual Central

Serving elementary students in Columbus, OH

K-6 Community School Managed by ACCEL Schools

A high-performing network of charter schools located throughout the US

Tuition-Free, Public Charter School

Sponsored by Richland Academy of the Arts

Columbus Bilingual Central is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Kindergarten (Early Entry) through 6th grade in Northeast Columbus, Ohio. The school delivers at least 45 minutes of daily Spanish instruction alongside a rigorous, standards-based curriculum in reading, math, science, and social studies. Principal Maria Garcia leads a building where bilingualism isn’t an afterthought or an elective. It’s woven into the school day, every day.

The curriculum promotes bilingual development, cultural awareness, and appreciation for diverse communities around the world. Students explore different cultures, traditions, and perspectives while building the academic skills needed for future success. Classes are hands-on and focused on critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, particularly in math and science. Teachers use data and student needs to adjust instruction and support each learner’s academic growth.

The school runs on the BLITZ model and a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. A structured behavior code and uniform policy set clear expectations. Students are recognized for meeting those expectations through motivational rallies, assemblies, and the ROAR Student of the Week program.

There are no stand-alone sports teams or clubs listed at this time. After-school programming is run by the school and available until 5:30 p.m. Counseling is provided through Kids Thrive.

In addition to core academics, students take part in special classes that round out the school experience, including Spanish and Dance. These classes give students the chance to build creativity, confidence, and skills beyond the traditional classroom.

Events and celebrations bring families and the surrounding community into the building throughout the year, celebrating the many cultures represented in the CBC community: Latino Heritage Month, the Latino Heritage Parade, Celebratory Experiential Learning of Latino Culture, Back to School Event, Holiday Celebration, Turkey Trot, Winter Clothing Drive, EFNEP Nutrition Education Celebration, Books and Badges Girl Scouts Program, Realeyes Program, and quarterly Jag Awards assemblies.

Every enrolled student receives free breakfast and lunch. Transportation is provided through Columbus City Schools.

Free full-day Kindergarten is available, with early entrance for students who turn 5 by December 31 through a readiness assessment.

Columbus Bilingual Central is located at 767 North Cassady Ave, Columbus, OH 43219. Call (380) 268-9521 or visit cbcschool.org.

Michael Mora Brenes, Regional Vice President

Michael Mora Brenes serves as the Regional Vice President for ACCEL Schools’ bilingual schools, providing leadership and support to bilingual campuses in the Columbus area. Originally from Costa Rica, he moved to Delaware, Ohio, in 2013 to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Sociology from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Since joining ACCEL Schools in 2017, Mr. Mora Brenes has served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles. He was Assistant Principal of Academics at Columbus Bilingual Academy North beginning in 2019 before becoming Principal in December 2022. During his leadership, the school experienced significant academic growth, strengthened student support systems, and cultivated a vibrant bilingual culture that celebrates students’ language, heritage, and identity while fostering high expectations for all learners.
In his current role as Regional Vice President, Mr. Mora Brenes partners with school leaders to strengthen academic achievement, support operational excellence, and expand high-quality bilingual education across the ACCEL Schools network. He is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where multilingual students thrive academically, socially, and culturally.
Mr. Mora Brenes earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University and remains committed to empowering educators, supporting families, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Maria Garcia, Principal

Maria Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree in social science with a concentration in Criminal Justice, bringing a unique and insightful perspective to the educational landscape. Her education journey began over 11 years ago, starting as a Middle School Science Teacher. This career path, initially sparked by an opportunity to teach life skills to juveniles as a correctional officer, quickly blossomed into a profound passion for nurturing young minds. Read More »

Staff Directory

Community School

Columbus Bilingual Central is a public, community school. We are our own school district sponsored by Richland Academy of the Arts which provides oversight and enforces academic, fiscal, and legal accountability. We are managed by ACCEL Schools, a high-performing network of over 50 charter schools located throughout the United States.

Community schools offer an alternative to the local public school. They are free and open to all students and focused on meeting student needs for success. Community schools are among the top-performing schools in the nation.
Learn more about community schools.

Founded in 2014, ACCEL Schools is a K-12 public charter school management organization (CMO) serving students across the United States in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid school settings. We focus on improving academic outcomes of students regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic factors. The leadership team at ACCEL Schools has a combined 1000+ years of experience as global school management operators with expertise in curriculum research and design, assessment, student support services, and education consulting. Our entire team fundamentally believes that all children deserve a great education and students should be supported as they pursue a wide variety of post-secondary options. Our robust technology increases engagement, access to resources, efficiencies, and academic results helping our students become productive global citizens.